SpaceX Checked Out Starlink Internet in Antarctica Using Space Lasers

McMurdo Station is a research station that conducts scientific studies on climate systems, geology, and astronomy. The center has had limited internet connectivity. McMurdo is already dependent on an internet satellite provider. However, the poor connection severely restricted people’s online activities.

The center houses close to 1,000 people in Antarctica’s summer season according to NSF. 

SpaceX is a company that’s building a massive constellation of internet satellites at low Earth orbit and vowing to bring connectivity even to remote areas of the globe. SpaceX currently has 323 satellites in orbit and plans to launch upwards of 42,000 satellites.

SpaceX needed to use space lasers to reach Antarctica. SpaceX tweeted that Starlink was now available on all seven continents. Starlink’s satellite laser network allows for this capability in remote locations like Antarctica. There are a few Starlinks with lasers that can relay broadband signals. The space lasers are not capable of delivering data between Earth, space and each other. Instead, they will route data from one satellite to another. Space lasers are not only cooler than ground stations but also require fewer ground stations for operation. They are also useful in remote areas like Antarctica because there is less area to transmit the signal from space.

SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, is expanding its satellite network. Recently, the company announced that it can now beam connection to vehicles in motion including semi trucks, RVs, boats, and planes. Starlink, a major airline, announced that it would be offering Wi-Fi in-flight for no cost to Hawaiian Airlines. Starlink internet was also tested by Delta Airlines.